Aa history Lovers 2004 moderators Nancy Olson and Glenn F. Chesnut page

But I don't represent AA. I'm not an expert. And I would have trouble defining

religion.

Some criticize AA for proclaiming it's the only way to get sober.

But it doesn't. It's like the Christianity charge. It's just not there.

In addition to his work with alcohol, Wilson left his mark on Wall Street. He

essentially invented market research, didn't he?

That's true. While he was drinking.

Did his knack for business continue after he quit drinking?

His business skills were applied to try to make A.A. a going concern. He quit

drinking in 1934, but it really wasn't until 1944 that it was clear that A.A.

was a go. He spent ten years pouring all those skills, the endurance, the

salesmanship, into making A.A. go forward.

And even after he turned it over to its membership, he kept on searching for

some kind of help for alcoholics, looking for a magic bullet. A lot of his

friendship with Aldous Huxley was about what we now call psychopharmacology.

He took LSD, which at the time was not a street drug, but he thought maybe it

could help alcoholics. He thought vitamin B could help. So he continued to do

a lot of searching and experimenting.

Which brings us back to how he viewed alcoholism. He said it was a disease,

and he even looked for pharmacological solutions. But the only remedy he found

was a spiritual one. How many diseases can you say that about?

The relationship with the body and the mind is complicated and mysterious. You

say most diseases aren't spiritual, but many people believe they are. The

question of where does disease leave the body and enter the spirit, or enter

the mind or the brain--that's a question I am not able to answer.

We're living in a 12-Step world now. Yet part of this story is how Wilson's

program was once regarded with suspicion.

When AA was starting, it was thought of in many weird ways. There were years

and years when it looked as if Bill Wilson was going to be the only successful

recovering alcoholic. There's that famous scene where he complains to his

wife, "You know, I've had 40 people get sober and they're all drinking again.

This doesn't work." And she said, "Well it worked for one person--you." There

were years were AA was lucky to be regarded as anything by anyone. I don't

think Bill Wilson could have possibly have envisioned what's happened with

those 12 steps of his. There hundreds of 12-Step programs saving millions of

lives and millions of families in ways that I don't think he envisioned.

Paul O'Donnell is Beliefnet's Culture editor.

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++++Message 1725. . . . . . . . . . . . Sister Ignatia Obituary (1966)

From: Lash, William (Bill) . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/27/2004 8:09:00 PM

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August 1966 AA Grapevine

For

Ignatia:

SISTER MARY IGNATIA, one of the finest friends that we of AA shall ever know,

went to her reward Friday morning, April first, nineteen hundred sixty-six.

Next day, the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine opened their Mother House to

visitors. More than one thousand of them signed the guest book in the first

two hours. These were the first of many who during the two days following came

to pay their respects to Sister.

On Monday at high noon the Cathedral at Cleveland could barely seat its

congregation. Friends in the city and from afar attended the service. The

Sisters of Charity themselves were seen to be seated in a body, radiant in

their faith. Together with families and friends, we of AA had come there in

expression of our gratitude for the life and works of our well-loved Sister.

It was not really a time for mourning, it was instead a time to thank God for

His great goodness to us all.

In its affirmation of the faith, the Mass was of singular beauty; the more so

to many, since it was spoken in English. The eulogy, written and read by a

close friend of Sister's, was a graphic and stirring portrayal of her

character, and of her deeds. There was a most special emphasis upon the merits

of AA, and upon the part co-founder Dr. Bob had played in Sister's great

adventure among us. We were assured as seldom before that those who dwell in

the fellowship of the Spirit need never be concerned with barriers, or with

boundaries.

For those thousands of men, women and children whose lives had been directly

touched and illumined by Sister, it would perhaps not be needful to write this

account of her. Of Sister, and of the Grace she brought to all these, they

already know better than anyone else. But to the many others who have never

felt her presence and her love, it is hoped this narrative may be something

for their special inspiration.

Born in 1889 of devout and liberty-loving parents, Sister entered into this

world at Shanvilly, County Mayo, of the Emerald Isle. The famed poet Yeats,

born nearby, once remarked that the strange beauty of County Mayo had been

specially designed to raise up poets, artists, heroes and saints. We can

little doubt that even when Ignatia was aged six, and her parents had

emigrated from Ireland to Cleveland, she was already beginning to manifest

many a sterling virtue.

Soon the child began to reveal unusual musical talents, both of piano and

voice. A few years later she was seen giving lessons at the home of her

parents. During 1914, she became possessed of a great desire to become a

religious. In this year she joined the Community that many of us AAs know so

well - the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine. There she continued her

musical education and her teaching.

But even then, as ever since, Sister was frail, exceeding frail. By 1933 the

rigors of her music teaching had become too great. She had a really serious

physical breakdown. Her doctor put to her this choice: "You will have to take

it easy. You can either be a dead music teacher or a live Sister. Which is it

going to be?"

With great good cheer, so her Community says, Mary Ignatia accepted a much

quieter and less distinguished assignment. She became the registrar at St.

Thomas Hospital in Akron, Ohio - an institution administered by her Order. At

the time it was wondered if she could manage even this much. That she would

live to the age of seventy-seven was not believable; that she was destined to

minister to 15,000 alcoholics and their families in the years to come was

known only to God.

For a considerable time Sister serenely carried on at the admissions desk in

St. Thomas. It was not then certain she had ever heard of AA. Though Group One

at Akron, and Group Two in New York had been in slow and fitful growth since

1935, neither had come to public notice.

AA's sudden growth

However in 1939 the scene changed abruptly. In the spring of that year the AA

book was first printed, and Liberty magazine came up with an article about our

society in the early fall. This was quickly followed by a whole series of

remarkable pieces which were carried by The Cleveland Plain Dealer on its

editorial page. The newspaper and the mere two dozen AAs then in town were

swamped by frantic pleas for help. Despite this rather chaotic situation, the

Cleveland membership burgeoned into several hundreds in a few months.

Nevertheless the implications of this AA population explosion were in some

ways disturbing, especially the lack of proper hospital facilities. Though the

Cleveland hospitals had rallied gallantly to this one emergency, their

interest naturally waned when bills often went unpaid, and when ex-drunks

trooped through the corridors to do what they called "Twelfth Step" work on

sometimes noisy victims just arrived. Even the City Hospital at Akron, where

Dr. Bob had attended numerous cases, was showing signs of weariness.

In New York we had temporarily got off to a better start. There we had dear

old Dr. Silkworth and, after awhile, his wonderful AA nurse "Teddy." This pair

were to "process" some 12,000 New York area drunks in the years ahead, and so

they became, as it were, the "opposite numbers" to the partnership of

co-founder Dr. Bob and Sister Ignatia at Akron.

Much concerned that, hospital-wise, his area might be caught quite unprepared

to cope with a great new flood of publicity about AA, Dr. Bob in 1940 decided

to visit St. Thomas and explain the great need for a hospital connection that

could prove permanently effective. Since St. Thomas was a church institution,

he thought the people there might vision a fine opportunity for service where

the others had not. And how right he was!

Sister Ignatia learns of AA

But Bob knew no one in authority at the hospital. So he simply betook himself

to "Admissions" and told the diminutive nun in charge the story of AA,

including that of his own recovery. As this tale unfolded, the little sister

glowed. Her compassion was deeply touched and perhaps her amazing intuition

had already begun to say, "This is it." Of course Sister would try to help,

but what could one small nun do? After all, there were certain attitudes and

regulations. Alcoholism had not been reckoned as an illness; it was just a

dire form of gluttony!

Dr. Bob then told Sister about an alcoholic who then was in a most serious

condition. A bed would simply have to be found for him. Said Mary Ignatia,

"I'm sure your friend must be very sick. You know, Doctor, this sounds to me

like a terrible case of indigestion." Trying to keep a straight face, Dr. Bob

replied, "How right you are - his indigestion is most terrible." Twinkling,

Sister immediately said, "Why don't you bring him in right away?"

The two benign conspirators were soon faced with yet another dilemma. The

victim proved to be distressingly intoxicated. It would soon be clear to all

and sundry that his "indigestion" was quite incidental. Obviously a ward

wouldn't do. There would have to be a private room. But all the single ones

were filled. What on earth could they do? Sister pursed her lips, and then

broke into a broad smile. Forthwith he declared, "I'11 have a bed moved into

our flower room. In there he can't disturb anyone." This was hurriedly done,

and the "indigestion" sufferer was already on his way to sobriety and health.

Of course the conspirators were conscience-stricken by their subterfuge of the

flower room. And anyhow, the "indigestion" pretense simply couldn't last.

Somebody in authority would have to be told, and that somebody was the

hospital's Superior. With great trepidation Sister and Dr. Bob waited upon

this good lady, and explained themselves. To their immense delight she went

along, and a little later, she boldly unfolded the new project before the St.

Thomas trustees. To their everlasting credit they went along too - so much so

that it was not a great while before Dr. Bob himself was invited to become a

staff physician at St. Thomas, a bright example indeed of the ecumenical

spirit.

Sister Ignatia was of course placed in immediate charge. Dr. Bob sponsored the

new cases into the hospital and medically treated each, never sending a bill

to any. The hospital fees were very moderate and Sister often insisted on

taking in patients on a "pay later" basis, sometimes to the mild consternation

of the trustees.

Together Ignatia and Dr. Bob indoctrinated all who cared to listen to the AA

approach as portrayed by the book Alcoholics Anonymous, lately come off the

press. The ward was open to visiting AAs from surrounding groups who, morning

to night, told their stories of drinking and of recovery. There were never any

barriers of race or creed; neither was AA nor Church teaching pressed upon

any.

Since nearly all her strenuous hours were spent there, Sister became a central

figure on the ward. She would alternately listen and talk, with infinite

tenderness and understanding. The alcoholic's family and friends received the

very same treatment. It was this most compassionate caring that was a chief

ingredient of her unique Grace; it magnetically drew everyone to her, even the

most rough and obstinate. Yet she would not always stand still for arrant

nonsense. When the occasion required, she could really put her foot down. Then

to ease the hurt, she would turn on her delightful humor. Once, when a

recalcitrant drunk boasted he'd never again be seen at the hospital, Sister

shot back, "Well, let's hope not. But just in case you do show up, please

remember that we already have your size of pajamas. They will be ready and

waiting for you!"

As the fame of St. Thomas grew, alcoholics flocked in from distant places.

After their hospitalization they often remained for a time in Akron to get

more first-hand AA from Dr. Bob, and from Akron's Group Number One. On their

return home, Sister would carry on an ever mounting correspondence with them.

We AAs are often heard to say that our Fellowship is founded upon resources

that we have drawn from medicine, from religion and from our own experience of

drinking and of recovery. Never before nor since those Akron early days have

we witnessed a more perfect synthesis of all these healing forces. Dr. Bob

exemplified both medicine and AA; Ignatia and the Sisters of St. Augustine

also practiced applied medicine, and their practice was supremely well

animated by the wonderful spirit of their Community. A more perfect blending

of Grace and talent cannot be imagined.

It should never be necessary to dwell, one by one, upon the virtues of these

magnificent friends of AA's early time - Sister Ignatia and co-founder Dr.

Bob. We need only recollect that "by their fruits we shall always know them."

Passing of Dr. Bob

Standing before the Cleveland International Convention of 1950, Dr. Bob looked

upon us of AA for the last time. His good wife Anne had passed on before, and

his own rendezvous with the new life to come was not many months away.

Ten years had slipped by since the day when he and Sister had bedded down that

first sufferer in the St. Thomas flower room. In this marvelous decade Sister

and Dr. Bob had medically treated, and had spiritually infused, five thousand

alcoholics. The greater part of these had found their freedom under God.

In thankful recollection of this great work, we of AA presented to the Sisters

of Charity -of St. Augustine and to the Staff of the St. Thomas Hospital a

bronze plaque, ever since to be seen in the ward where Sister and Dr. Bob had

wrought their wonders. The plaque reads as follows:

IN GRATITUDE

THE FRIENDS OF DR. BOB AND ANNE S.

AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATE THIS MEMORIAL

TO THE SISTERS AND STAFF OF

ST. THOMAS HOSPITAL

AT AKRON. BIRTHPLACE OF ALCOHOLICS

ANONYMOUS. ST. THOMAS HOSPITAL BECAME

THE FIRST RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION EVER

TO OPEN ITS DOORS TO OUR SOCIETY.

MAY THE LOVING DEVOTION OF THOSE WHO

LABORED HERE IN OUR PIONEERING TIME

BE A BRIGHT AND WONDROUS EXAMPLE

OF GOD'S GRACE EVERLASTINGLY SET

BEFORE US ALL.

Visitors at St. Thomas today often wonder why this inscription says not a word

about Sister Ignatia. Well, the fact was, she wouldn't allow her name to be

used. She had flatly refused; it was one of those times when she had put her

foot down! This was of course a glowing example of her innate and absolutely

genuine humility. Sister truly believed that she deserved no particular

notice; that such Grace as she might have could only be credited to God and to

the community of her sisters.

This was indeed the ultimate spirit of anonymity. We who had then seen this

quality in her were deeply affected, especially Dr. Bob and myself. Hers came

to be the influence that persuaded us both never to accept public honors of

any sort. Sister's example taught that a mere observance of the form of AA

anonymity should never become the slightest excuse for ignoring its spiritual

substance.

Following Dr. Bob's death, there was great concern lest Sister might not be

allowed to continue her work. As in other orders of the church, service

assignments among the Sisters of Charity were rather frequently rotated. This

was the ancient custom. However, nothing happened for a time. Assisted by

surrounding AA groups, Sister continued to carry on at St. Thomas. Then

suddenly in 1952, she was transferred to St. Vincent Charity Hospital at

Cleveland, where, to the delight of us all, she was placed in charge of its

alcoholic ward. At Akron a fine successor was named to succeed her; the work

there would continue.

The ward at "Charity" occupied part of a dilapidated wing, and it was in great

need of repair and rejuvenation. To those who knew and loved Sister, this

opportunity proved a most stimulating challenge. The Charity trustees also

agreed that something should be done. Substantial contributions flowed in. In

their spare hours, AA carpenters, plumbers and electricians set about redoing

the old wing - no charge for their services. The beautiful result of these

labors of love is now known as Rosary Hall.

Again the miracles of recovery from alcoholism commenced to multiply. During

the following fourteen years, an astonishing 10,000 alcoholics passed through

the portals of "Rosary Hall" there to fall under the spell of Mary Ignatia,

and of AA. More than two-thirds of all these recovered from their dire malady,

and again became citizens of the world. From dawn to dark Sister offered her

unique Grace to that endless procession of stricken sufferers. Moreover, she

still found time to minister widely to their families and this very fruitful

part of her work became a prime inspiration to the Al-Anon Family Groups of

the whole region.

Notwithstanding her wonderful workers within the hospital, and help from AAs

without, this must have been a most exacting and exhausting vocation for the

increasingly frail Sister. That she was providentially enabled to be with us

for so many years is something for our great wonder. To hundreds of friends it

became worth a day's journey to witness her supreme and constant

demonstration.

Toward the close of her long stewardship there were brushes with death.

Sometimes I came to Cleveland and was allowed to sit by her bedside. Then I

saw her at her best. Her perfect faith, and her complete acceptance of

whatever God might will was somehow implicit in all she said, be our

conversation gay, or serious. Fear and uncertainty seemed entire strangers to

her. On my leave-taking, there was always that smiling radiance; always her

prayerful hope that God might still allow her a bit more time at Rosary Hall.

Then a few days later I would learn that she was back at her desk. This superb

drama would be re-enacted time after time. She was quite unconscious that

there was anything at all unusual about it.

Realizing there would come the day which would be her last, it seemed right

that we of AA should privately present Sister with some tangible token that

could, even a little, communicate to her the depth of our love. Remembering

her insistence, in respect of the Akron plaque, that she would not really like

any public attention, I simply sent word that I'd like to come to Cleveland

for a visit, and casually added that should her health permit, we might take

supper together in the company of a few of her stalwart AA friends and

co-workers. Besides, it was her fiftieth year of service in her community.

On the appointed evening, we foregathered in one of the small dining rooms at

Charity Hospital. Plainly delighted, Sister arrived. She was barely able to

walk. Being old-timers all, the dinner hour was spent in telling tales of

other days. For, her part, Sister regaled us with stories of St. Thomas and

with cherished recollections of Anne and co-founder Dr. Bob. It was

unforgettable.

Before Sister became too tired we addressed ourselves to our main project.

From New York, I had brought an illuminated scroll. Its wording was in the

form of a letter addressed by me to Sister, and it was written on behalf of

our AA Fellowship worldwide. I stood up, read the scroll aloud, and then held

the parchment for her to see. She was taken by complete surprise and could

scarcely speak for a time. In a low voice she finally said, "Oh, but this is

too much - this is too good for me."

Our richest reward of the evening was of course Ignatia's delight; a joy

unbounded the moment we assured her that our gift need not be publicized; that

if she wished to stow it away in her trunk we would quite understand.

It then seemed that this most memorable and moving evening was over. But there

was to be another inspiring experience. Making light of her great fatigue,

Sister insisted that we all go up to Rosary Hall, there to make a late round

of the AA ward. This we did, wondering if any of us would ever again see her

at work in the divine vocation to which she had given her all. For each of us

this was the end of an epoch; I could think only of her poignant and

oft-repeated saying, "Eternity is now."

The scroll given to Sister may now be seen at Rosary Hall. This is the

inscription:

IN GRATITUDE

FOR SISTER MARY IGNATIA

ON THE OCCASION OF HER GOLDEN

JUBILEE

Dear Sister,

greatest spirit we may ever know.

We remember your tender ministrations to us in the days when AA was very

young. Your partnership with Dr. Bob in that early time has created for us a

spiritual heritage of incomparable worth.

In all the years since, we have watched you at the bedside of thousands. So

watching, we have perceived ourselves to be the beneficiaries of that wondrous

light which God has always sent through you to illumine our darkness. You have

tirelessly tended our wounds; you have nourished us with your unique

understanding and your matchless love. No greater gifts of Grace than these

shall we ever have.

Speaking for AA members throughout the world, I say: "May God abundantly

reward you according to your blessed works - now and forever!'

In devotion,

March 25,1964 Bill W.

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++++Message 1726. . . . . . . . . . . . In Memory of Helen (1955)

From: Lash, William (Bill) . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/31/2004 2:09:00 PM

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November 1955 AA Grapevine

In Memory of Helen

JUST six years ago last month, a girl named Helen made a journey from Boston

to New York. She came to this city to join the staff of AA's General Service

Headquarters.

Her decision to leave Boston's Central Office, where she had for three years

been much loved as its first Secretary, was to result in benefits beyond

measure to worldwide AA. But for her, this decision proved to be a fateful

one.

climax of a long period of severe exhaustion and of many difficulties. She had

come to stay with Lois and me to recuperate for the fresh start about which

she had eagerly written to friends only one day before the unexpected attack

of illness that did, in a matter of minutes, carry her away from us.

All the countless AAs who knew Helen will surely declare her to have been one

of the finest servants that we have ever had. Speaking for ourselves here at

Headquarters we feel that a void has been left in our lives of the kind which

can never quite be filled. With Lois and me, Helen always stood high among our

most devoted and treasured friends.

One more unforgettable thing: When the crucial decisions were made in 1951

that a Conference of elected AAs should be called to meet yearly with our

Trustees, that this Conference should ultimately become the guide and

conscience for our entire Society, and the successor to its founders, a most

difficult problem had to be faced. Anxiously we asked ourselves, "How can this

be done?"

Because of her keen sense of AA feeling and reaction, her inborn flair for

sound diplomacy, Helen was assigned to help me in the preparation of the Third

Legacy. This document, on which the future of AA so much depends, and of which

so many of us recently became conscious at St. Louis, will ever bear the stamp

of Helen's great perception and devotion.

"Well done, thou good and faithful servant."

Bill W.

Helen B. was buried in Rockland, Massachusetts on Saturday, October 1,

Rockland.

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++++Message 1727. . . . . . . . . . . . Traditions Question

From: Lash, William (Bill) . . . . . . . . . . . . 3/31/2004 2:35:00 PM

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Does anyone know why the Twelve Traditions are in the order that they are in?

Thanks!

Barefoot Bill

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++++Message 1728. . . . . . . . . . . . Re: Traditions Question

From: Cloydg . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/1/2004 1:25:00 AM

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A.A. Traditions

***************

During its first decade, A.A. as a fellowship accumulated substantial

experience which indicated that certain group attitudes and principles were

particularly valuable in assuring survival of the informal structure of the

Fellowship. In 1946, in the Fellowship's international journal, the A.A.

Grapevine, these principles were reduced to writing by the founders and early

members as the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. They were accepted

and endorsed by the membership as a whole at the International Convention of

A.A., at Cleveland, Ohio, in 1950.

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++++Message 1729. . . . . . . . . . . . Harper Brothers

From: NMOlson@aol.com . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/1/2004 1:36:00 AM

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The following is a compilation of earlier posts which have been deleted:

Nancy

Date: Sun Oct 13, 2002 11:32 pm

Subject: Harper Brothers

In 1953 Harper printed the 12&12 because I believe Bill did not want the

controversy associated with getting this book into prints like he went through

on the Big Book. If this is true, why did Harper do two more printings since

AA published their first printing in 1953 as well. The AA Publishing was

established at that time. Was it a contract issue per chance?

In 1957 Harper printed the first printing of AA Comes of Age along with AA.

Does anyone know why they got involved in printing this book.

The answer may be obvious to some but I cannot find any reference to this

information to date.

From: "tcumming"

Date: Mon Oct 14, 2002 10:05 pm

Subject: re: Harper Brothers

Pass It On has nice fairly succinct history of the writing of our "Twelve

Steps & Twelve Traditions" on pages 352-56. Far too much for this lazy

alcoholic to type out the whole thing for you. But on pages 355-6 you can

read:

"'Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions' was first published in two editions -- one

for distribution through AA groups, and the second edition, costing 50 cents

more ($2.75 instead of $2.25), intended for sale in commercial bookstores and

distributed through Harper & Brothers (by arrangement with AA's old friend

Eugene Exman). AA made a contract with Harper that enabled the Fellowship to

retain full control and

copyright ownership of both editions."

AA Comes of Age, page 219, also has a bit on this:

"One more noteworthy event marked this period of quiet; the publication of

AA's 'Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions' in 1953. This small volume is strictly

a textbook which explains AA's twenty-four basic principles and their

application, in detail and with great care.

"Helped by my editorial team, Betty L. and Tom P., I had begun work on this

project in early 1952. The final draft was widely circulated among our friends

of medicine and religion and also among many old-time AA's. This rigorous

checkup was topped off by none other than Jack Alexander, who had added the

final editorial touch. For group distribution we published the volume

ourselves, and our old friend Gene Exman of Harper offered favorable terms for

distribution through his firm to bookstores."

I'll also include a quote from earlier in AA Comes of Age, pertaining to the

publishing of the Big Book, which may well have had an influence on this

volume as well. On page 158:

"... But Henry was not discouraged. He still had ideas. 'Bill,' he said, 'you

and I know this book is going to sell. And Harper thinks it will sell. But

these New York drunks just do not believe it. Some take it as a joke, and the

rest talk high and holy about mixing a spiritual enterprise with money and

promotion. ... .'"

Other references pertaining to Harpers include:

AA Comes of Age - 153, 156, 158, 219

Language of the Heart - 143-4

Pass It On - 193, 194, 195, 356

(BTW, it is not too difficult to look these up in the index at the back of the

books)

That's the official word. Now with salt shaker in hand:

What I think I remember being told about Harper publishing the 'Twelve Steps &

Twelve Traditions' is that it was set up that way to soothe some of those

complaints. Where GSO would publish and distribute copies for the fellowship,

and Harpers would handle it for those outside the fellowship. That way GSO

wouldn't have to engage in promoting the book to bookstores, and money from

outside sources

wouldn't get mixed in with our self support funds (Traditions 11 & 7).

It seemed like a good plan, but in reality it just didn't work.

At first Harpers did OK with the book, but eventually some bookstores and

institutions outside AA found they could get the book cheaper through GSO than

through their regular channels. Printing, distribution and publicity costs may

also have gone up. In the end, what I remember being told, Harper's sales were

down, costs were up and they knew they had to raise the price to make a

profit. They also

knew that GSO wasn't going to raise the price. They made the simple business

decision that it wasn't profitable to publish the book anymore and they

stopped. And so ended our experiment with split distribution, 'within the

fellowship' vs. outside the fellowship.

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++++Message 1730. . . . . . . . . . . . Periodical Literature

From: Jim Blair . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/1/2004 9:45:00 AM

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I have aquired 13 more articles and with post them on successive days

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

Alcoholics take steps to cure themselves.....

Alcoholics Anonymous

From The Illinois Medical Journal, Oak Park, Ill.

A new approach to the problem of chronic alcoholism has been taken by the

alcoholics themselves. Calling their group "Alcoholics Anonymous," they first

realized the utter hopelessness of their condition and then set out to do

something about it.

All of them had been in sanitoria, and many of them had been confined to

institutions for the insane. They recognized their addiction to be a disease

which medicines alone were unable to cure. They also realized that by

themselves they were unable to break the hold alcohol had upon them.

The chronic alcoholic has lost his friends by his drinking. He feels that no

one-not even his family-understands his plight. He is truly alone-and finds

solace and companionship only in his bottle. Most chronic alcoholics really

want to stop. When they openly admit this, and are willing to let others help,

then the members of Alcoholics Anonymous can enter the picture.

The chronic alcoholic in talking to a member of the group finds a person who

understands" - who has had the same experiences.

The new member is introduced to the fellowship of the group. "Business"

gatherings are held weekly to talk over common problems. "Social" gatherings

are held several other nights of the week where companionship is sincere and

bridge, poker and conversation abound.

There are no officers in the group. Each member has equal standing. There are

no fees, dues, nor expenses whatsoever.

When a new member has become thoroughly acquainted with the meaning of his new

life he should go out himself and work with other unfortunates.

This giving of himself, without thought of remuneration gives him strength to

combat his own desire.

It is indeed a miracle when a person who for years has been more or less

constantly under the influence of alcohol and in whom his friends have lost

all confidence, will sit up all night with a "drunk" and at stated intervals

administer a small amount of liquor in accordance with a doctor's order

without taking a drop himself.

Full co-operation is given to the medical profession. In dealing with patients

who are ill the family physician is called in who assumes charge until the

patient has recovered.

About six years ago "Alcoholics Anonymous" was started in New York. The group

gained headway slowly, but now there are about a thousand members with groups

in nearly every large city.

The first member in Chicago joined the group on Akron, Ohio, about three years

ago. One year ago Chicago had eight members; now there are 150 and the group

grows daily.

Of alcoholics who are contacted about 80% join "Alcoholics Anonymous." Of the

first 40 to join the Chicago group 23 have not tasted alcohol since being

admitted. This covers a period of time of from six months to three years.

Eleven have had one "slip." Three have had from two to four "slips" and three

have been lost.

A new member may feel so well physically and so strong mentally that in his

new condition he may believe he can drink moderately as many people do. In

trying to do so he re-discovers his complete lack of power to combat this

disease. After such an experience he usually remains firmly attached to his

new found heaven.

It seems unbelievable, when one considers that in people who were "hopeless

alcoholics" 58% have attained complete sobriety and 92% practical sobriety.

Broken minds and bodies that have been a weight on society have been

rehabilitated. Broken homes have been restored-innocent families no longer

suffer.

A movement that is strong enough to make rehabilitated men, some of high

position and great wealth, give themselves to help restore other broken lives

without thought of remuneration, is indeed a powerful thing, worthy of our

attention.

Source: Current Digest, April 1941

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++++Message 1731. . . . . . . . . . . . Fr. Ed Dowling Obituary (1960)

From: Lash, William (Bill) . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/1/2004 1:30:00 PM

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AA Grapevine June 1960

To Father Ed - Godspeed!

By Bill W.

EARLY Sunday morning, April 3rd, Father Edward Dowling died peacefully in his

sleep. The place was Memphis, Tennessee. Cheerfully unmindful of his ebbing

health, he had been visiting one of his "Cana'' groups (a favorite undertaking

which he founded, Father Ed's Cana groups are dedicated, under Church

auspices, to the solution of difficult family problems through the practice o

f AA's Twelve Steps.). Never was there a gayer evening than in the hours

before. He would have wanted to take his leave of us in just that way. This

was one of the most gentle souls and finest friends we AAs may ever know. He

left a heritage of inspiration and grace which will be with us always.

Father Ed had planned to be at our 1960 Long Beach Convention, come July. This

prospect, now to be unfulfilled, brings a moving recollection of his

appearance at AA's St. Louis International Convention of 1955. It seems

altogether fitting that I repeat the introduction I then made of him, together

with an account of the unforgettable impression he left upon me the very first

time we met - a fragment of history recorded years afterward in AA Comes o f

Age:

"With deep joy, I present to you Father Ed Dowling who lives at the Jesuit

House right here in St. Louis. Father Ed, knowing whence comes his strength,

is definitely allergic to praise. Nonetheless I think that certain facts about

him should be put into our record - facts that new generations of AAs ought to

hear, read, and know.

"Father Ed helped to start the first AA group in this town; he was the first

clergyman of his faith to note the surprising resemblance between the

spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius (founder of the Jesuit order) and the

Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. As a result, he was quick to write in

1940 the first Catholic recommendation of AA of which we have any knowledge.

"Since then, his labor for us has been a prodigy. Not only have his

recommendations been heard worldwide, but he has himself worked at AA and for

AA. Travels, AA meetings, wise and tender counsel - these works of his can be

measured in thousands of miles and thousands of hours.

"In my entire acquaintance, our friend Father Ed is the only one from whom I

have never heard a resentful word and of whom I have never heard a single

criticism. In my own life he has been a friend, adviser, great example, and

the source of more inspiration than I can say.

"Father Ed is made of the stuff of the saints.

* * *

'A great cheer of welcome greeted Father Ed Dowling as, indifferent to his

grievous lameness, he made his way to the lectern. Father Dowling of the

Jesuit order in St. Louis is intimately known to AAs for a thousand miles and

more around. Many in the Convention audience remembered with gratitude his

ministry to their spiritual needs. St. Louis old-timers recalled how he helped

start their group; it had turned out to be largely Protestant, but this fazed

him not a bit. Some of us could remember his first piece about us in The

Queen's Work, the Sodality's magazine. He had been the first to note how

closely in principle AA's Twelve Steps paralleled a part of the Exercises of

St. Ignatius, a basic spiritual discipline of the Jesuit order. He had boldly

written in effect to a11 alcoholics and especially to those of his own faith:

'Folks, AA is good. Come and get it.' And this they certainly had done. His

first written words were the beginning of a wonderfully benign influence in

favor of our fellowship, the total of which no one will ever be able to

compute.

"Father Ed's talk to us at the Convention that Sunday morning flashed with

humor and deep insight. As he spoke, the memory of his first appearance in my

own life came back to me as fresh as though it were yesterday: One wintry

night in 1940 in AA's Old Twenty-Fourth Street Club in New York I had gone to

bed at about ten o'clock with a severe dose of self-pity and my imaginary

ulcer. Lois was out somewhere. Hail and sleet beat on the tin roof over my

head; it was a wild night. The Club was deserted except for old Tom, the

retired fireman, that diamond in the rough lately salvaged from Rockland

asylum. The front doorbell clanged, and a moment later Toni pushed open my

bedroom door. 'Some bum,' said he, 'from St. Louis is down there and wants to

see you.' 'Oh, Lord!' I said. 'Not another one! And at this time of night. Oh,

well, bring him up.'

"I heard labored steps on the stairs. Then, balanced precariously on his cane,

he came into the room, carrying a battered black hat that was shapeless as a

cabbage leaf and plastered with sleet. He lowered himself into my solitary

chair, and when he opened his overcoat I saw his clerical collar. He brushed

back a shock of white hair and looked at me through the most remarkable pair

of eyes I have ever seen. We talked about a lot of things, and my spirits kept

on rising, and presently I began to realize that this man radiated a grace

that filled the room with a sense of presence. I felt this with great

intensity; it was a moving and mysterious experience. In years since I have

seen much of this great friend, and whether I was in joy or in pain he always

brought to me the same sense of grace and the presence of God. My case is no

exception. Many who meet Father Ed experience this touch of the eternal. It is

no wonder that he, was able to fill all of us there in the Kiel Auditorium

with his inimitable spirit on that wonderful Sunday morning."

Everyone then present will remember this famous quote from Father Ed's St.

Louis talk:

"There is a negative approach from agnosticism. This was the approach of Peter

the Apostle. 'Lord, to whom shall we go'?" doubt if there is anybody in this

hall who really ever sought sobriety. I think we were trying to get away from

drunkenness. I don't think we should despise the negative. I have a feeling

that if I ever find myself in Heaven, it will be from backing away from Hell."

(End)

Just before his death, Father Ed had completed the article he wrote for AA

TODAY, the twenty-fifth anniversary commemorative book prepared by the

Grapevine. The article will appear in the book under the title, "AA's Steps

for the Underprivileged Non-AA." - THE EDITORS.

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++++Message 1732. . . . . . . . . . . . Eddie Shill

From: Carter Elliott . . . . . . . . . . . . 4/2/2004 8:01:00 AM

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When I joined the Fellowship in 1969 (in North Jersey), one of my first

assigned service tasks was that of chauffeuring an old timer to meetings. A

stroke had rendered Eddie Shill physically disabled but his mind was razor

sharp. His personal recollections of those folks we now call pioneers makes

me wonder if his name pops up in any of our archive data bases.

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